Italy- Rome, Florence & the Treasures of Tuscany
Very few regions of the world evoke the same romantic images as do Rome, Florence and Tuscany. Italy is a gift to the senses and a foodie’s dream vacation. Join Travac Tours for a 14 day, 12-night holiday to this incredibly beautiful part of Italy renowned for art, culture, and cuisine.
You will start your holiday in the eternal city, Rome. This exquisite city is one of Europe’s most vibrant towns with awe-inspiring ancient and modern attractions.
While in Tuscany you’ll experience all that this province of Italy is world famous for. You’ll see picturesque medieval cities with their signature skylines of bell towers. Each day in Tuscany will offer spectacular rolling landscapes blanketed in grapevines and olive groves. You will enjoy lunch and a chance to sample recent vintages at a local winery after your tour with the vintner. This will surely be a highlight of your trip. Complete your visit of Tuscany with a trip to Pisa, famous for its leaning tower and inspirational cathedral.
From Tuscany you will travel to Florence. This city was the cradle of the Renaissance and once the most powerful city in Europe. Florence holds world-class art collections that rival any city such as the Uffizi Museum and of course Michelangelo’s David at the Galleria dell’Accademia. To properly experience Florence our Italian guide will take you on a walking tour through its ancient streets and piazzas.
Travac’s tour to Italy includes round-trip flights from Montreal, ground transportation, 12 nights’ accommodation and day trips throughout your holiday. This holiday is fully escorted by an experienced Travac Tours director whose first priority is your satisfaction.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1
Depart Ottawa by motorcoach for your overnight flights to Rome from Montreal. You will be served a dinner and a continental breakfast on board your overnight flights. (D-on aircraft)
Day 2
Upon arrival in Rome you will meet your Travac Tours Director in the baggage claim area and then be transferred to your hotel. Please keep in mind that check in time is 4:00 pm. A welcome dinner is included tonight. Rome is an eternally engaging city. It is a grand and ancient metropolis rich with exquisite art, vibrant culture, and centuries of history. We trace the rise and fall of classical Rome, meander through the heart of Bernini’s Baroque Rome, and make a pilgrimage to the Vatican (optional). You will also have the chance to uncover the charms of hidden neighbourhoods. (B-on aircraft, D)
HOTEL MIAMI
Day 3
This morning you will embark on a half day tour of this delightful city. Your local tour guide will chaperone you through some of the best sites that Rome has to offer. Later in the day you will be able to explore some of Rome’s neighbourhoods on your own (B)
HOTEL MIAMI
Day 4
With galleries and museums, an amazing cafe culture, the magnificent Colosseum, Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps, Rome never fails to inspire and amaze. You will have plenty of time to explore the eternal city. (B)
HOTEL MIAMI
Day 5
Today we will be joined by a local guide to take a tour of the Vatican (optional $). The Vatican is the world capital of Catholicism and is the world’s smallest state. The Papal Palaces, next to the great basilica of St. Peter’s, are home to the Sistine Chapel and the eclectic collection of the
Vatican Museums, as well as being the residence of the Pope. Expect to spend several hours in this magnificent city. (B)
HOTEL MIAMI
Day 6
This morning we depart Rome for Siena. The drive from Rome to Siena is approximately 4 hours. We will make a stop enroute for lunch. Upon arrival we will embark on a 2-hour walking tour of Siena with a local guide to experience the history of this medieval city. (B)
NH EXCELSIOR
Day 7
After breakfast we’ll embark on a full day tour of Tuscany. Tuscany is renowned for its history and art, its evocative landscape, and, perhaps most notably, its food and drink. Our tour will encompass eastern and central Tuscany. We’ll visit Cortona, with its spectacular hillside views and Montepulciano, known for its Renaissance palazzo. (B)
NH EXCELSIOR
Day 8
Today we will explore the wineries and olive groves of Tuscany. You will have a chance to visit one of the region’s noted wineries (more details to follow). Lunch and tasting is included. (B,L)
NH EXCELSIOR
Day 9
Once a regional capital that challenged Florence’s power, Siena might be Italy’s prettiest medieval town. Its old alleys and town square, the Piazza del Campo, possess a unique charm that captivates visitors to this historic town. Take the day to explore the sights of Siena on your own. (B)
NH EXCELSIOR
Day 10
After breakfast, we depart Siena for Florence – the drive is approximately 2 hours. Once we arrive in Florence we will have time for lunch. After lunch we will meet our local guide at the hotel for a 3 hour walking tour of Florence. Our tour of Florence will include many of the city’s churches, monuments and squares. Florence first began life as a Roman colony in 59 BC and has been ruled by some of the most notable Italian families. The most famous of these – the Medici family. During this time, Florence was the cultural and intellectual heart of Europe. Artists, architects and sculptors flocked to the city and their work is still evident in the city’s fabric. (B)
Hotel Adriatico
Day 11
Today we explore the western region of Tuscany. Our full day tour will highlight the city of Pisa. In its early days Pisa was famous for its powerful Navy, which had trade links to Spain and North Africa. We’ll see the Leaning Tower of Pisa (admission into Tower not included), one of Italy’s best known icons. Other stops on today’s tour will include Lucca, a Roman town dating back to 180 BC, the birthplace of Giacomo Puccini and Leonardo da Vinci. (B)
Hotel Adriatico
Day 12
Today is free to explore Florence at your leisure. You might also consider walking through the eastern part of the city, which still retains a distinctly old-world Italian atmosphere. You may wish to visit the Galleria dell’Accademia or The Academy of Fine Arts, where you can see Michelangelo’s David. A must-see is the richly decorated Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore. The church’s dome, built by the famous architect Brunelleschi, was the largest and most impressive such construction of its time. (B)
Hotel Adriatico
Day 13
Today is another free day in Florence. Enjoy all the museums, shops and cafes Florence has to offer. Your Travac Tours Director can help you with ideas for sightseeing today. Tonight is our farewell dinner. (B, D)
Hotel Adriatico
Day 14
Today we depart for our return flights and transfers to Ottawa. Details will be provided by your Travac Tours Director. (B – Lunch onboard aircraft)